We’re nearly a week into the season of Lent. Did you commit to “give something up” during Lent? It’s a common practice during the Easter season, but it can certainly be a challenge to give up a long-held habit or activity, whether the change is major (giving up a deeply-ingrained habit) or relatively minor (staying off of Facebook).

If you’re already wavering on your Lent commitment, perhaps a simple shift in perspective will help. In this video devotional, Sheri Rose Shepherd suggests that we stop asking “What should I give up?” and instead ask “What can I gain?” The whole purpose of a Lent commitment is to gain a closer relationship with Jesus Christ—and that makes the sacrifice of a habit seem minor in comparison to what you’re receiving in return. Here’s the video:

Sheri Rose Shepherd is the author of THRIVE, a free weekly email devotional that imagines what it would be like to receive encouraging and challenging personal letters from God.

If you’re looking for more devotional insight during the approach to Easter, don’t forget that our Easter devotions are now underway—click here to sign up for Easter-themed devotionals that draw from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dallas Willard, and others!